Is It Legal to Own a Hedgehog in South Africa

In nature, a hedgehog is opportunistic and eats a lot of things, but most of the food is insects. As insectivores, hedgehogs need a high-protein, low-fat diet. You also need chitin, which comes from the exoskeleton of insects; Dietary fiber can replace the chitin component. There are foods prepared specifically for hedgehogs and insectivores, including food made from insect components. Digestive powders are also available to sprinkle other foods that provide chitin and other nutrients. Hedgehogs are susceptible to many diseases, including cancer, which spreads rapidly in hedgehogs, and Wobbly-Hedgehog syndrome (WHS), a neurological syndrome. Some symptoms of MHS are similar to those of multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans, so the animal`s condition can be compared to that of MS patients. One possible cause of SHM is a genetic error that allows a virus to attack the hedgehog`s nervous system. [ref. needed] The nose may exhibit a variety of symptoms of a restless hedgehog, especially respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. In many cases, the form of pneumonia that affects hedgehogs is bacterial in nature. If they act quickly, antibiotics can have a very positive effect. Signs to look out for include blisters, excessive dropping, or constant sneezing.

[ref. needed] During our research, several sites stated that Wyoming allowed hedgehogs but needed a permit. Even a highly referenced source like Wikipedia wrongly stated at the time of this article (February 2020). Maybe they see this article and review their information. Maybe Wyoming once had permits. Nevertheless, our information comes directly from the website of the Game and Fish Department of Wyoming. They have an organized board that indicates which animals need a permit. And no, hedgehogs don`t! YAY! Since a hedgehog is usually kept in a cage or similar pen, it is allowed in some homes where cats and dogs are not allowed.

In nature, a hedgehog travels many miles every night. [14] A hedgehog with an insufficient litter may show signs of depression, such as excessive sleep, refusal to eat, repetitive behavior, and self-harm. Hedgehogs need a reasonable amount of exercise to avoid liver problems due to obesity. Therefore, a domesticated hedgehog must have access to a wheel. Wheels should be carefully selected to avoid foot injuries. [15] We believe that fear and ignorance create undue restrictions when it comes to laws affecting hedgehogs as pets. They are not rodents or pests. They do not carry salmonella without exposure to it – which applies to all animals – not just hedgehogs. There are no negative environmental impacts caused by owning one.

We guarantee that there will be no zombie apocalypse caused by owning a hedgehog! Nevertheless, we do not want them to be hurt because they live in one of the states that do not allow hedgehogs as pets. African dwarfs are solitary, nocturnal wild animals – so they are active at night. They have complex needs that can only be met in their natural environment, so they do not make suitable pets. The natural habitat of the wild African dwarf hedgehog is the dry, grassy plains of West, Central and East Africa. African dwarfs travel long distances in the wild. They need space to walk around, unfortunately they are often kept in small cages that are not suitable for this very active species. And if you read each list, hedgehog does not appear on any of them. But here is the Gocha. “Any animal not on one of the lists is considered prohibited.” They think so too, because if caught, it could mean up to 3 years in jail and/or fines of up to $500,000! Hawaii is very protective of its botanical and tropical flora, as well as the native insects that exist there.

So they fear that the island`s wild hedgehogs will endanger these things. The Romans domesticated in the 4th century BC. A relative of the Algerian hedgehog to use for meat and quills as well as for pets. [4] The Romans also used hedgehog skins to clean their scarves, which made them important for trade and prompted the Roman Senate to regulate the trade in hedgehog skins. [5] Quills have been used in the training of other animals, for example to save a calf from breastfeeding after weaning. [6] Do you know the list of illegal pets in South Africa? The exotic pet trade is a multi-billion dollar industry, as many people now own exotic animals. Whether illegal or legal, there are a few things you need to know before taking possession of an animal. If you ask which states allow hedgehogs as pets, you won`t find Hawaii on the list either. The way Hawaii makes it illegal to own hedgehogs is a law of omission. Let`s explain. They have a law that includes lists of animals that fall into one of four categories: Illegal / Contact: dhignett@capenature.co.za / April 2017 African pygmy hedgehogs are not legal in all South African provinces.

In some provinces it is illegal to own an African pygmy hedgehog, in others it is completely legal, and in orders it is only legal if you have obtained a permit from your local conservation officer.

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